Our Timeline
From an ambitious idea to a thriving community network and regional alliance - here are the milestones that brought Springfield Healthy Hearts to life.
Milestones
2022
UQ and Springfield City Group forge a community research partnership
A partnership between The University of Queensland and Springfield City Group sees a dedicated community research presence at Springfield commence, focussing on understanding local health and wellbeing priorities and responding through research and impact.
Major milestone2023
Early research ideas take root
Community research initiatives begin as a growing number of UQ academics connect with community and start to co-create local responses, laying the academic and conceptual foundations for a coordinated, community-focused approach to heart health in Springfield.
March 2024
Partners come together around a shared concept
An initial brainstorming session for local, regional, state and national organisations brings key prospective partners to the table for the first time. Across sectors, partners explored what a collaborative, community-driven healthy hearts initiative in Springfield could look like and who would need to be involved to make it a reality, with impact.
October 2024
Inaugural alliance meeting
The alliance formally convenes for the first time — a landmark moment marking the transition from concept to collective action. Partners across health, research, community, and local organisations unite under a shared purpose to improve cardiovascular health outcomes in Springfield.
Major milestoneMarch 2025
Heart Foundation Catalyst Showcase
Springfield Healthy Hearts presents at the Heart Foundation's Catalyst Showcase, demonstrating the vision and early progress of the alliance to a national audience and positioning the initiative as a leading model for community-based cardiovascular health.
June 2025
Awarded Heart Foundation Catalyst Partnership
Springfield Healthy Hearts is awarded the prestigious Heart Foundation Catalyst Partnership — formal recognition of the alliance's potential and a significant boost to its capacity to drive meaningful, sustained change in the heart health of the Springfield community.
Major milestoneNovember 2025
Co-design with community members continues to be a focus
Community members take centre stage in the design of the activities, experience and direction of Springfield Healthy Hearts. Bringing lived experience into the heart of the initiative's planning, ensuring programs are shaped by, and for, the people of Springfield.
May 2026
First alliance committee meetings
The formal governance structure of Springfield Healthy Hearts matures as the team holds its first committee meetings that sharpen a focus on community, data and impact. These committees act as advisory and working groups that steer the alliance toward its vision.
Grant & Funding Success
Alongside these milestones, Springfield Healthy Hearts has secured significant competitive funding from leading national and state bodies — a testament to the strength of the alliance's vision and the quality of its research partnerships.
NHMRC
Helping Those Who Help: A co-created lifestyle intervention for health professionals
Mater Foundation
Co-designing Springfield Healthy Hearts (longitudinal study)
Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation
Active Choices for Springfield: A veteran-led online program for active & connected lifestyles
The University of Queensland
Direct investment in Springfield Healthy Hearts research and community programs
Springfield City Group
Direct investment in Springfield Healthy Hearts research and community programs
National Heart Foundation of Australia
Direct investment in Springfield Healthy Hearts research and community programs
National Heart Foundation of Australia
Project Operations & Partnerships Management
National Heart Foundation of Australia
Project Operations & Partnerships Management
Health & Wellbeing Queensland
SNAPS Environmental Scan at Springfield
UQ-Exeter Institute
Supporting Nourished Communities: City-wide food sharing strategies for health & sustainability
The University of Queensland
LinkMeToHealth
Engaging Science Grants
South Asian CVD Genomics community engagement
The University of Queensland
Moonlighting in Springfield
The University of Queensland
Springfield Community Engagement Toolkit
The University of Queensland
Third Places in Springfield
The University of Queensland
LinkMeToHealth Consumer Engagement
The University of Queensland
Physical Activity for Adolescents in Springfield
The University of Queensland
Food for the Brain Consumer Engagement